Easy steps to paint a sunset sky and a tree in acrylic paints:
Select the colors you want in your background. I used six colors (see the list below). They can be straight from the tube or you can mix them.
Paint each area of color onto your canvas. I used foam brushes for the background.
Next, blend the areas where the colors meet so there is a softer transition from color to color. You may have to add more paint during this step.
Allow the background to dry.
Add the trunk of the tree and then begin adding the branches. Look at a tree. Notice that the branches get thinner as they get further from the trunk, and branches are not straight lines. Using thinner brushes helps with the thinner branches.
Add more branches until you achieve your desired effect.
Colors I used:
- Cadmium Yellow Medium
- mixed orange (yellow mixed with Cadmium Red)
- mixed reddish orange (yellow mixed with Cadmium Red)
- Magenta
- Brilliant Purple
- Deep Violet
I’d love to see your sunset painting!
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May 11, 2014 at 8:07 pm
That’s beautiful!
May 11, 2014 at 8:38 pm
Thank you!!
May 12, 2014 at 9:55 pm
beautiful color! What is the medium? Acrylic?
May 13, 2014 at 2:07 am
Thank you! Yes, it’s acrylics. 🙂
May 13, 2014 at 2:00 am
That is beautiful!
May 13, 2014 at 2:08 am
Thank you! 🙂
May 13, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Hi there The skies are this are gorgeous! I love trees in winter, their starkness and simplicity is great. you did a wonderful job here. I’ve added you to my feedly to keep following your blog. I admire your consistency in posting. I have a 13 yr old myself, and another a bit younger, so I know life is very busy with children!
May 13, 2014 at 7:36 pm
Thank you so much, I’m glad you like it! And thanks for following! I appreciate you noticing my frequency. I try to post 3 times a week – it’s nice to know someone notices – lol!
December 29, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Thank you so much for this great tutorial!!! It helped my daughter so much!! She has struggled in the past to paint a sunset. And she said that you are a great artist.
December 29, 2017 at 7:19 pm
I’m so glad! Thank you for letting me know. I hope she continues to paint. Here’s another post she may enjoy https://mycreativeresolution.com/2017/11/17/acrylic-painting-winter-birch-trees/
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July 3, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Thanks so much for including my post!